FG: Bid to block probe a ‘political stroke’

BERTIE AHERN’S bid to block the Mahon corruption probe was branded a “political stroke” by opponents last night as it emerged three High Court judges will decide the case.

The challenge, to prevent the tribunal questioning the Taoiseach on Dáil statements, will be held on April 1 and the constitutional gravity of the action is reflected in the rare move to have more than one judge ruling.

Fine Gael insisted Mr Ahern’s action will delay the tribunal’s final report by six months or more in a deliberate “play for time”.